Environmental geoscience II
6 points * First semester * 12 hours per week, including 2 hours lecture, 3 hours practical, 5 hours individual study and 2 hours fieldwork * Prerequisites: ESC2042 (Environmental geoscience I) or permission of lecturer; first-year chemistry or ESC2071 (Chemical geology) recommended
Objectives This subject aims to provide a basic understanding of the chemical and physical interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere; to provide the tools necessary to estimate the velocities and fluxes of water flowing through sediments and rocks at and near the earth's surface, to enable prediction of how the compositions of surface and groundwater will be affected by minerals and atmosphere and changes in temperature and chemical variables such as pH and oxygen potential, to measure common chemical variables such as pH, Eh, EC, etc. in water samples taken in the field, and to calculate the impact of contaminated sediments and rocks on water quality in natural environments.
Synopsis Groundwater flow, aqueous and mineral geochemistry and applications to environmental problems in geoscience; review of the theory of steady-state flow in porous media, followed by the development of fluid flow theory to include time-dependent flow in anisotropic and inhomogenous sediments; interrelationships between water and minerals, in particular how water compositions are controlled by minerals. Specific topics include the effects of pH, Eh, salinity and temperature on mineral solubilities, adsorption and desorption of elements on mineral surfaces and the formation of secondary mineral precipitates in sediments. Applications to environmental problems, including examples of acid-mine drainage and assessment of impact of contaminated sediments on water qualities in rivers and other surface waters. Computer methods of predicting fluid flow and water compositions are introduced in practical sessions and one or more field excursions may be offered.
Assessment Examination (one 3-hour final exam): 60% * Practical work: 40%
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